Mohamed Muizzu delivers his inaugural address after being sworn-in as the 8th president of the Maldives at the Special Assembly of the People's Majlis held at the Republic Square in the capital, Male, Nov 17, 2023. (HANDOUT VIA XINHUA)

MALE – Mohamed Muizzu was sworn in as the 8th president of the Maldives at a ceremony in the capital of Male on Friday, according to the President's Office.

He took his oath of office at the Special Assembly of the People's Majlis held at Republic Square.

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Following his oath-taking, Muizzu signed the Instrument of Oath, with Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Aslam signing as witnesses.

Muizzu elaborated on his vision for the Maldives' foreign policy, emphasizing the preservation of amicable relations with neighboring and distant countries

The president in his inaugural address expressed his commitment to prioritizing the interests of the citizens of the Maldives, ensuring that no external nation's interests will supersede those of the Maldives and its people.

He elaborated on his vision for the Maldives' foreign policy, emphasizing the preservation of amicable relations with neighboring and distant countries.

The president declared that his administration would highly prioritize the tourism industry, saying that the government would develop new approaches to managing and furthering the tourism industry.

His speech also touched on topics including the economy, education, youth development, women's rights and housing policy.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef was also sworn into office at the ceremony.

The cabinet ministers took their oath of office in the President's Office following the ceremony.

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Muizzu was elected as the new president of the island nation after he won the presidential election on Sept 30, defeating the then-incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.